Independence Day: Our Top 10 Relaxed Backyard Party Picks

Is your Independence Day stash of fireworks begging to be lit? Have you put the floaties in the pool, decorated the house in patriotic colors, stocked up on sodas, and locked away the “good” stuff from the kids–especially the fireworks? Just like you, we love a three-day weekend. Especially when chips and dip are considered a normal meal.

We can’t exactly virtually contribute our famous potato salad to your potlock party, but we can give you a list of Top Ten Mellow Summertime Jams Perfect For An Independence Day BBQ.

The ultimate happy-go-lucky love song, the recently married Michael Buble’s “Haven’t Met You Yet” isn’t exactly true anymore, but while you are lounging around your friend’s pool, it gives you a little hope that the guy coming in with the 12-pack of beers might be the one.

It’s been a cold, hard spring for a lot of people around the country. Natasha Bedingfield reminds us why summer is so amazing: You can luxuriate in pockets full of beautiful sunshine.

6. “Sunshine”-[lastfm link_type=”artist_info”]Matt Costa[/lastfm]

Speaking of sunshine, Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Matt Costa’s song of the same name has a sort of children’s sing-song quality to it, making it the perfect little ditty to summon forth the sun.

Once that sun comes out, follow Sheryl Crow’s lead and soak up a little of it. While you’re at it, tell everyone to lighten up. Someone has to.

4. “Bubbly”-[lastfm link_type=”artist_info”]Colbie Caillat[/lastfm]

Photo by Chris Hondros//Getty Images

Feel a little “Bubbly” this weekend while listening to Colbie Caillat’s “Bubbly” and drinking some much deserved bubbly with your toes dipped in a hot tub full of bubbles. Ahhhh, bubbly bliss.

3. “Hey, Soul Sister”-[lastfm link_type=”artist_info”]Train[/lastfm]

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There is a reason why Train’s song “Soul Sister” was so critically acclaimed, winning Grammys. The song evokes that beautiful sense of magic one gets at the very beginning of a relationship. For us, on this special day, it’s the relationship we have with our country.

We’re not sure why there is such a huge monkey theme in “relaxing'” vids. Maybe it’s because of that old phrase about “monkeyin’ around?” Bruno Mars takes being lazy to another level with one of our favorite songs (and videos) of the year–“The Lazy Song.”

1. “I’m Yours”-[lastfm link_type=”artist_info”]Jason Mraz[/lastfm]

Photo by Neilson Barnard//Getty Images

“Listen to the music of the moment/people dance and sing/we’re just one big family.”

Listening to Jason Mraz’ “I’m Yours” will undoubtedly evoke a feeling of community with you and whomever is loungin’ with you.

Weekends like this are a perfect way to reconvene with the people you love. Like Mraz says, your time is “short.” Use this time while you have it to spread love and happiness this Independence Day.